Glacier Bay and Outer Coast Cruise

Welcome to Sitka! Upon arrival in this colorful Alaska port-of-call, receive a personal greeting from your private driver followed by a transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Sitka.

Enjoy breakfast at your Sitka hotel before setting off on a guided tour of of the town, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Learn about Sitka’s Alaskan Native and Russian history on an exclusive tour provided by the ship’s expedition leader.

In the afternoon, make your way to the dock to board the Kruzof Explorer for the start of your Glacier Bay National Park small ship cruise. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a gourmet dinner freshly prepared with locally harvested ingredients.

Overnight on the Kruzof Explorer, your home for the next five nights.

Today, you will get to experience the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness, a part of Southeast Alaska that few travelers get a chance to see. The Kruzof’s expedition team will get you out on a high-speed zodiac or one of the ship’s kayaks to get a closer look at the stunning cliffs, narrow passage, and towering rainforest of this remote wilderness area. Round out the day by visiting Pelican, a charming Alaskan community that was originally founded as a commercial fish processing operation in 1938. The town is set within Lisianski Inlet, a scenic fjord, and has a central boardwalk that acts as the main thoroughfare for the town.

The next day, you’ll cruise through Glacier Bay National Park as you get up close to a calving glacier. Marine and wildlife are plentiful within the park and guests may have the opportunity to see Stellar sea lions, bears, moose, whales, and much more. Some of the highlights of the park include; South Marble Island, a nesting area for puffins; Gloomy Knob, a rocky outcropping where mountain goats can be seen; and Margerie Glacier. Your onboard naturalist guide will provide insights into the biology and geography of the area while your True Alaskan guides will be onboard to share information about the lifestyles and legends of Southeast Alaska.

Alaska is no stranger to earthquakes and Lituya Bay was the site of a massive landslide and “mega-tsunami” in 1958. The wave washed away trees and vegetation standing up to 1,720 feet in elevation. As you explore the Bay by ship, you will witness evidence of the landslide and tsunami and hear the tale of a local family who rode the giant wave and lived to tell the tale!

Take in the sights on the Gulf of Alaska as you sail along the “outer coast” of Southeast Alaska. The jagged peaks and glaciers of Fairweather Range, the southernmost rand of the Saint Elias Mountains, can be seen to the east while the Gulf of Alaska hugs the ship to the west. Yakutat and Disenchantment Bays feature untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife and Disenchantment Bay is a hot-spot for bird watchers. As you cruise along the iceberg laden waters, get a close-up view of Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Hubbard Glacier won’t be the only stunning glacier you see today, the Malaspina Glacier, which is the size of the state of Rhode Island, can also be seen along this route.

That night, enjoy a gourmet farewell dinner as you relive stories from your cruise with your companions as you dine on fresh seafood, baked goods, and regional cocktail specialties.

As you arrive in Yakutat, a small fishing community set against a scenic mountain backdrop, you’ll say goodbye to your crew and receive a transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Leave Alaska with your sense of adventure renewed and memories that will last a lifetime.